2014 Sept. General Meeting

On Sept. 11th, our club had our first meeting of the 2014-2015 club season. It began as an informal coffee with Colleen C., President Peggy C. and our new Corresponding Sec. Eleanor N. as our hostesses. Their snacks were very delicious and plentiful. Thank you.

As usual for our season opener, one of our favorite speakers, FL expert Tom MacCubbin spoke to us about “Florida ‘s Best Plants that made Florida Famous”.

Tom was full of fun facts on Central Florida’s horticultural pioneers and the different crops Florida produces. He spoke about Dr. Nehrling and his work with caladiums and the history of Apopka’s foliage industry. Some interesting facts Tom MacCubbin spoke about our state’s produce production is that we produce 40% of the US orange and grapefruit crop. We are only second behind California in avocado production. Also, that we are the leader in watermelon production with our season being from March until May as well as many more facts.

Using his handout on Sept. Florida gardening tips, Tom said that fall in Florida is a time when our gardening season is just beginning with summer/warm weather plants which will produce soon and the cooler plants which are just starting to be planted.